Marine Corps veteran returns to college, finds community in BGSU Falcon Marching Band

As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran nearly a decade older than many of her fellow Bowling Green State University undergraduate students, Vanessa Burback was a little nervous about fitting in on a college campus.

Then, she joined the Falcon Marching Band.

On the field, Burback’s age difference fades into the background. She’s simply one of the 600 members of America’s largest college marching band, performing for enthusiastic crowds at home football games.

“This is my family,” she said. “We spend every day together. We’re going through everything together. Being a part of this band has been such an important part of my college experience.”

At 32, Burback is the oldest current member of the Falcon Marching Band. She joined when she enrolled at Bowling Green in 2022 and has since taken on the role of a section leader for the band’s flute and piccolo players.

"Vanessa has provided two years of outstanding leadership for the Flicc (flutes and piccolos) section, and has been an exemplary band member," said Jon Waters, director of marching and athletic bands. "Each time we play the medley of service songs and ask members in the audience to stand when they hear their song, I get goosebumps when Vanessa, a member of the band, springs to her feet for the Marines' Hymn."

Burback has also embraced the unofficial role of “mom” to many of her younger bandmates, who often look to her for advice.

“I get to take all of the life experience I’ve had and be a role model for them,” Burback said. “Them coming up to me and asking for advice makes my day. The military definitely made me a better person, but so has being in the Falcon Marching Band.”

Burback has always had a passion for music. She initially planned to attend BGSU to study music education after high school, but changed course and joined the military. During her military service, Burback was stationed in California as a combat engineer. 

When she decided to return to college, Burback said her goal was to ensure a career path that would be both enjoyable and versatile. She chose computer science.

“I’ve always been intrigued by how a simple line of code can change an entire website or its functionality,” Burback said. “My dad is also in the field and has always had a steady job, which is important to me.”

Burback said balancing the Falcon Marching Band's rehearsal and performance schedule with the demands of her computer science degree can be challenging. Still, she’s managed both through diligent time management and organization.

She also found support early on through Bowling Green’s Office of Nontraditional and Military Student Services. The University has consistently been ranked among the nation’s most military-friendly universities. 

Despite the demands of balancing academics and band, Burback said the thrill of performing makes it all worth it.

“The moment we get to that last note is such an incredible feeling,” Burback said. “You see the crowd all stand up and hear them start screaming. I’ve definitely cried a couple of times; it’s emotional. We put in so much hard work. We memorize the music and the drill and then put it all out on the field in front of thousands of people.”

Burback, who marched in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, with the band in 2025, will also perform with the Falcon Marching Band during its historic appearance in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day.

“The opportunities we have through band are absolutely insane,” she said. “I thought going to Ireland was going to be the best, but then we learned we were chosen for the Rose Parade. It just keeps getting better.”

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